Multiple seed-type planting system with seed delivery speed control

ABSTRACT

A system for planting multiple types of seed and automatically switching between the varieties during planting in a single planting pass of a planting session of row-crop planting of an agricultural field while controlling seed delivery speed to mitigate seed bounce and/or provide desired seed spacing distances. The system may include a bulk storage system, an on-row storage system, and a charging system that selectively delivers seeds of different varieties from the bulk storage system to the on-row storage system and a seed delivery speed control system that regulates seed delivery speed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to planters and, in particular, toplanters for planting multiple types or varieties of seed andcontrolling seed delivery speed from the planters.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern farming practices strive to increase yields of agriculturalfields. Technological advances of planters allow for better agronomiccharacteristics at the time of planting, such as providing more accurateseed depth, improved uniformity of seed depth across the planter, andimproved accuracy of in-row seed spacing. To reduce operating expenses,farm equipment is operated at relatively faster travel speeds, whichreduces the amount of operating time to complete certain tasks. Whenoperating equipment at faster travel speeds, it can be important tomaintain the quality of operation and good agronomic characteristicsthat can be achieved while operating at relatively slower operatingspeeds. This can be especially difficult to accomplish during planting,which requires precise seed depth placement and spacing accuracy inorder to maintain a good seed environment. Furthermore, a single fieldcan have yield performance inconsistencies between different areas ofthe field. That is because a field can have a wide variety of soil typesand management types or zones, such as irrigated and non-irrigated zonesin different areas. Seed companies are developing multiple varieties ofeach of their seed product types to optimize yield in these differentareas. The different seed varieties offer improved performancecharacteristics for different types of soil and management practices.Efforts have been made to plant multiple varieties of a particular seedproduct type in different areas of fields with different soil types ormanagement zones. These efforts include planters that have differentbulk fill hoppers and require the reservoir for each seed meter to becompletely cleaned out or planted out before a different seed varietycan be delivered to the seed meters. Some planters allow for plantingtwo varieties and include ancillary row units or two separate anddistinct seed meters at every row unit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to systems for row crop planting thatallow for seeding or planting multiple types of seed while controllingseed delivery speed(s) from planters, which may include planting atvarying rates, in a single planting pass. The system may allow formultiple types of seed to be delivered through a seed distributionsystem from multiple compartments respectively storing the multipletypes of seed on an agricultural implement to a seed delivery system ofthe agricultural implement. The seed distribution system of theagricultural implement is controlled to release seeds of the multipletypes to the seed delivery system for release onto multiple areas of anagricultural field and at delivery speeds that are controlled tomitigate seed bounce and/or provide a desired seed spacing distance.

According to one aspect of the invention, a planter is provided forplanting seed of multiple seed types in a single planting pass duringrow-crop planting of an agricultural field and controlling seed deliveryspeed. The planter has a frame supporting multiple row units and a seedstorage system for separately storing seeds of multiple seed types onthe planter. A seed-metering system is arranged at each of the multiplerow units and selectively receives the seeds of the multiple seed typesfrom the seed storage system. A seed delivery speed control systemreceives the seeds from the seed-metering system and releases the seedsfor planting of an agricultural field. The seed delivery speed controlsystem may adjust a delivery speed of the seeds based on at least one ofa travel speed of the planter and a target spacing distancecorresponding to the one of the multiple seed types delivered from theseed-metering system to the seed delivery speed control system.

According to another aspect of the invention, the seed delivery speedcontrol system may include a seed delivery speed control deviceextending away from an outlet of the seed meter to direct the seedstoward a seed trench in the agricultural field. The seed delivery speedcontrol device may include or be defined by a speed tube with an upperend receiving the seeds from the seed meter and a lower end extendingaway from an outlet of the seed meter to direct the seeds toward a seedtrench in the agricultural field. The speed tube may include a beltconfigured to rotate at a variable speed for adjusting delivery speed ofthe seeds released from the speed tube.

According to another aspect of the invention, the seed delivery speedcontrol system may be configured to adjust the delivery speed of theseeds to approximate a detected travel speed of the planter with theseeds delivered in a delivery direction that is opposite a traveldirection of the planter. This may provide a seed drop path that issubstantially vertical-only with respect to a seed trench of theagricultural field.

According to another aspect of the invention, the seed delivery speedcontrol system may be configured to adjust the delivery speed of theseeds to approximate a target spacing between adjacent seeds in a commonseed trench based on a predetermined target seed population for acorresponding one of the multiple seed types of seeds being releasedwhen the adjustment is made.

According to another aspect of the invention, the seed delivery speedcontrol system may include at least one sensor arranged for detectingdelivery speed of the seeds. A pair of spaced apart sensors may bearranged for detecting movement of a seed past each of the sensors fordetermining detecting speed of the seeds delivered from the seeddelivery speed control system. The pair of spaced apart sensors may bearranged relative to a discharge tube of the seed delivery speed controlsystem for detecting movement of each seed through the discharge tube.

According to another aspect of the invention, a charging system may beprovided that is configured to selectively deliver seeds of the multipleseed types to the seed meter. The charging system may be arrangedupstream of the seed meter with the seed delivery speed control systemarranged downstream of the seed meter.

According to another aspect of the invention, the seed storage systemmay include a bulk storage system for separately storing seeds ofmultiple types on the planter. The bulk storage system may be configuredfor separately storing seeds of at least some of the multiple seed typeson the planter at a remote location relative to the multiple row units.The seed storage system may include an on-row storage system separatelystoring the seeds of the multiple seed types at the row units. Thecharging system may selectively transfer seeds of the multiple seedtypes from the bulk storage system to the on-row storage system.

According to another aspect of the invention, a diverter system may bearranged between the bulk storage system and the on-row storage systemfor selectively defining passages between the bulk storage system andthe on-row storage system to direct seeds of the multiple seed typesinto corresponding ones of multiple compartments of the on-row storagesystem. The diverter system may include a gate system with gatesconfigured to actuate for defining the passages between the bulk storagesystem and the on-row storage system to direct seeds of the multipleseed types into corresponding ones of multiple compartments of theon-row storage system.

According to another aspect of the invention, a speed tube may receivethe seeds from the seed-metering system and release the seeds forplanting of an agricultural field. The speed tube may have a conveyancemechanism configured to move at an adjustable speed to vary the deliveryspeed of the seeds. The conveyance mechanism may be a belt rotated by abelt drive at a variable speed to adjust the delivery speed of theseeds. The adjustment may be made based on at least one of a travelspeed of the planter and a target spacing distance corresponding to theone of the multiple seed types delivered from the seed-metering systemto the seed delivery speed control system. A bulk storage system mayseparately store seeds of multiple types on the planter and an on-rowstorage system may separately store the seeds of the multiple seed atthe row units for selective delivery to the seed-metering system with acharging system that selectively transfers seeds of the multiple seedtypes from the bulk storage system to the on-row storage system.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided forplanting seed of multiple seed types in a single planting pass duringrow-crop planting of an agricultural field and controlling seed deliveryspeed. The method may include separately storing seeds of multiple seedtypes on a planter having multiple row units. Seeds of the multiple seedtypes may be selectively delivered to a seed-metering system at each ofthe multiple row units. The seeds may be singulated in the seed-meteringsystem at each row unit. The singulated seeds may be delivered from theseed-metering system to a seed delivery speed control system releasingthe singulated seeds to a seed trench of the agricultural field. Adelivery speed of the seeds released from the seed delivery speedcontrol system may be adjusted based on at least one of a travel speedof the planter and a target spacing distance corresponding to the one ofthe multiple seed types being released from the seed delivery speedcontrol system.

Other aspects, objects, features, and advantages of the invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however,that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicatingpreferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way ofillustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications maybe made within the scope of the present invention without departing fromthe spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent likeparts throughout.

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic representation of a planting system forplanting multiple varieties of seed;

FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic representation of a charging system ofthe planting system of FIG. 1 showing a step of charging an on-row seedstorage system;

FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic representation of a charging system ofthe planting system of FIG. 1 showing another step of charging an on-rowseed storage system;

FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic representation of a charging system ofthe planting system of FIG. 1 showing another step of charging an on-rowseed storage system;

FIG. 5 is a simplified schematic representation of a portion of acharging system and a seed delivery speed control system of the plantingsystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is another simplified schematic representation of a portion of acharging system and a seed delivery speed control system of the plantingsystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a simplified schematic representation of a control system ofthe planting system of FIG. 1

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a method for charging the on-row seedstorage system;

FIG. 9 is another simplified schematic representation of a plantingsystem for planting multiple varieties of seed;

FIG. 10 is another simplified schematic representation of a plantingsystem for planting multiple varieties of seed;

FIG. 11 is another simplified schematic representation of a plantingsystem for planting multiple varieties of seed;

FIG. 12 is another simplified schematic representation of a plantingsystem for planting multiple varieties of seed;

FIG. 13 is another simplified schematic representation of a plantingsystem for planting multiple varieties of seed;

FIG. 14 is another simplified schematic representation of a plantingsystem for planting multiple varieties of seed;

FIG. 15 is another simplified schematic representation of a plantingsystem for planting multiple varieties of seed;

FIG. 16 is another simplified schematic representation of a plantingsystem for planting multiple varieties of seed;

FIG. 17 shows a chart illustrating the variants of FIGS. 9-16;

FIG. 18 is another simplified schematic representation of a plantingsystem for planting multiple varieties of seed; and

FIG. 19 is an example of a seed variety prescription map for use withthe planting system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings and specifically to FIG. 1, a plantingsystem 5 for planting multiple types or varieties of seed andautomatically switching between the types or varieties during plantingin a single planting pass and simultaneously automatically controllingseed delivery speed while row-crop planting of an agricultural field isschematically shown. System 5 includes an agricultural implement, shownhere as planter 7, which may be one of the EARLY RISER® series plantersavailable from Case III and is typically pulled by a traction devicesuch as a tractor 9. A frame 11 of the planter 7 supports multiple rowunits 13 that are substantially identical. Each row unit 13 includesvarious support, metering, and ground-engaging components. These mayinclude a sub-frame that is connected to the frame 11 of the planter 7by way of a parallel linkage system and furrow opening and closingmechanisms toward front and back ends of the row unit 13. The openingand closing mechanisms may include opener disks and closing disks,respectively, or other ground-engaging tools for opening and closing afurrow. Each row unit 13 may include a gauge wheel configured foradjusting furrow depth by limiting soil penetration of thefurrow-opening mechanism while creating the furrow, and a press wheelmay be arranged to roll over the opened furrow to close the furrow andto further firm the soil over the seed to and promote favorableseed-to-soil contact. Seed delivery speed control system 15 isconfigured to control delivery speed(s) of seeds from the planter 7 tominimize seed bounce and/or provide a desired seed spacing distance(s).Seed delivery speed control system 15 includes a seed delivery speedcontrol device 16, which can be independently controllable, at each rowunit 13 as explained in greater detail elsewhere herein.

Still referring to FIG. 1, seed 1 is held in a seed storage system 18.In this embodiment, seed 17 is held in bulk storage in a bulk storagesystem 19 of seed storage system 18. Bulk storage system 19 has at leastone bulk fill hopper 21, shown here as having two central bulk fillhoppers 21 supported by the frame 11 of the planter 7, remote from therow units 13. The bulk storage system 19 has multiple compartments 23,shown here as spaces within each of the hoppers 21 that are separated bya divider wall or partitions 25. In another embodiment, the compartments23 are defined by separate and discrete containers themselves, such asthe hoppers 21. Bulk storage system 19 can be configured to provide atleast some on-row bulk storage, which may include some or all of thecompartments 23 of the bulk storage system 19 as manual-fill on-rowstorage compartments, as explained in greater detail elsewhere herein.The different compartments 23 may hold seeds 17 of a different planttype or a common plant type but different varieties or types 17 a, 17 b,17 c for planting in different multiple type or variety zones of anagricultural field defined at least in part by characteristics relatingto at least one of soil type and management type, or othercharacteristics such as low/high ground areas, weed issues, insectissues, fungal issues, buffer zones in organic fields that are plantednext to non-organic fields, or others, such as those represented aszones VZ1, VZ2, VZ3, VZ4 in the prescription map PM of FIG. 19. Althoughthree different seed varieties or types 17 a, 17 b, 17 c are shown, itis understood that other numbers of seed varieties may be stored on andplanted by the planter 7 based on, for example, the number ofcompartments 23 in the bulk storage system 19 for a particular planter7. Although the seed 17 may be described elsewhere herein as differenttypes 17 a, 17 b, 17 c, it is understood that the description of thedifferent types of seed includes different varieties. In other words,the different types 17 a, 17 b, 17 c of seed 17 include not onlydifferent varieties of the same plant species, but also different seedproducts. Different seed products can include seeds of differentspecies, coated and uncoated seeds, such as insecticide coated andnon-insecticide coated seeds. The different seed products can alsoinclude refuge in a bag seed and non-refuge in a bag seed,plant-parasite resistant seed and non-plant-parasite resistant seed suchas cyst nematodes resistant seeds and non-cyst nematodes resistantseeds, herbicide-tolerant seed and non-herbicide tolerant seed, or otherdifferent products. The different seed products can further includedifferent crop seeds such as corn and soybeans, oats and barley,different cover crops such as tillage radishes and rye, or variouscombinations of these or other combinations.

Still referring to FIG. 1, based on which type or variety zone of anagricultural field is being planted at a particular time, seeds of thedifferent types 17 a, 17 b, 17 c are selectively released from the bulkstorage system 19 for receipt into an on-row storage system 27 of theseed storage system 18 by way of an airflow system 28 (FIG. 2).Referring now to FIG. 2, the airflow system 28 provides pneumatic powerfor use by various components of the planter 7 and is used to conveyseeds 17 through the planter 7 to the row units 13 to be dropped intothe seed trench formed by the furrow opening mechanism. Airflow system28 includes a positive air pressure source and may include a vacuumsource for establishing positive and vacuum pressures and correspondingairflows. The positive air pressure source and vacuum sources can beknown pumps, fans, blowers, and/or other known airflow systemcomponents. Airflow system 28 can include a seed conveyance airflowsystem 28 a providing an airflow by way of fan “F” that entrains seeds17 to move the seeds 17 from bulk storage system 19 to the row units 13and a seed meter airflow system 28 b provides native and/or positivepressure for operation of seed meters at the row units 13, as explainedin greater detail elsewhere herein. Each of the seed conveyance and seedmeter airflow systems 28 a, 28 b includes a positive air pressuresource(s) and/or vacuum source(s), depending on the particularconfigurations of the pneumatic system(s) in which they areincorporated. Referring again to FIG. 1, the on-row storage system 27locally stores relatively small amounts of seeds 17 at each of multiplerow units 13 to feed a seed-metering system 29 which can be configuredto simultaneously plant different types 17 a, 17 b, 17 c from thedifferent row units 13, or otherwise switch seed types 17 a, 17 b, 17 cbeing planted, as explained in greater detail elsewhere herein. Thedifferent seed types 17 a, 17 b, 17 c selectively sent from the bulkstorage system are stored in multiple compartments 31 of the on-rowstorage system 27 at each row unit 13. The compartments 31 of the on-rowstorage system 27 may be defined within a vented mini-hopper 33receiving seeds from the bulk storage system 19, optionally, at leastone on-row bulk tank, or other separate and distinct compartments on therow unit 13.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the compartments 31 of the on-row storagesystem 27 selectively feed the seed types 17 a, 17 b, 17 c to a seedmeter 35 of the seed-metering system 29. Each seed meter 35 can be apurely mechanical-type seed meter 35 or a pneumatic seed meter 35.Referring now to FIG. 2, the seed meter 35 includes an internal seeddisk 36 that is rotated to move at least a surface of the seed diskthrough a seed pool inside of the seed meter 35 to pick up and singulateseeds using seed pockets or fingers from the internal seed pool andconvey the individual seeds through the seed meter 35 for individualrelease out of the seed meter 35 through the seed delivery speed controldevice 16 that controls seed delivery speed of seed 17 toward a seedtrench of the agricultural field. Pneumatic seed meters 35 of negativepressure types are further operably connected through a vacuum inlet tothe seed meter airflow system 28 b (FIG. 2) of the airflow system 28 toprovide a vacuum airflow within a vacuum chamber establishing a negativeor vacuum pressure within the seed meter 35 opposite the seed poolallowing the seeds to be held against the seed disk such as within theseed pockets by the vacuum pressure. Pneumatic seed meters 35 ofpositive pressure types are operably connected through a pressurized airinlet to the seed meter airflow system 28 b (FIG. 2) to provide apositive airflow and a corresponding positive pressure at the seed sideof the seed disk within the seed meter 35, whereby seeds from the seedpool are pushed and held against the seed disk such as within the seedpockets by positive pressure. The seed meter 35 includes a housing thatdefines a cavity in which a seed singulator that is adjustable, such asremotely adjustable, and configured to inhibit more than one seed frombeing discharged from the seed meter 35 per seed discharge event and aseed disk 36 (FIGS. 2-4) are arranged and a baffle that is adjustable,such as remotely adjustable, and configured to control the depth of seedin the meter that is exposed to the seed disk 36. Rotation of the seeddisk including speed of rotation in the housing cavity adjustable suchas remotely adjustable by controlling a seed disk drive system. The seeddisk drive system may include, for example, various electric orhydraulic motors, drive shafts, chains and belts, clutches, peg and holedrive systems, and/or other arrangements such as a directly drivenarrangement in which a motor directly drives the seed disk at its hub orperiphery. The seed meters 35 are operably connected to a control systemfor adjusting seed disk 36 rotational speed for adjusting the seedpopulation, seed singulator setting, vacuum level, baffle position,and/or seed depth inside the seed meter 35 reservoir, as explained ingreater detail elsewhere herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, system 5 is shown configured for deliveringfour seed types 17 a, 17 b, 17 c, 17 d that can be selectively deliveredfrom the bulk storage system 19 to the row units 13 by way of a chargingsystem 37 that includes the seed conveyance airflow system 28 a.Charging system 37 ensures that each seed meter 35 can be selectivelydelivered controlled amounts of seed of different types 17 a, 17 b, 17c, 17 d based on the different type or variety zones of the agriculturalfield. The charging system 37 includes rollers such as calibrated flutedrollers 39, 41 at outlets of the compartments 23, 31 of the bulk andon-row storage systems 19, 27, respectively. The rollers 39, 41 aredriven by electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic motors to control release ofknown or calibrated amounts of the seed types 17 a, 17 b, 17 c, 17 dfrom the respective compartments 23, 31. The rollers 39 are rotated incontrolled amounts to control release of the seed types 17 a, 17 b, 17c, 17 d out of the compartments 23 of the bulk storage system 19 andinto a primary or main frame seed conduit or seed line shown as primaryseed feeding line(s) 43 for being selectively directed into secondary orrow-unit seed conduits shown as secondary seed feeding line(s) 45.Rollers 41 are rotated in controlled amounts to control release of theseed types 17 a, 17 b, 17 c, 17 d out of the compartments 31 of theon-row storage system 27 into a row unit reservoir 47 having a funnel 47a that connects to a seed inlet of the seed meter 35 to deliver seedinto a seed chamber 47 b that holds seed as a seed pool within aninterior cavity of the seed meter 35. It is understood that instead ofby way of rollers 39, 41, the controlled downstream release of seeds 17from the bulk and on-row storage systems 19, 27 may instead be providedby actuating other valving mechanisms or metering devices such as augersor sliding or pivoting gates. Outlets of compartments 23 in the bulkstorage system 19 can be operably connected to a seed receivinginduction system or bulk metering box(es) that control release of seeds17 into the seed feeding line(s) 43 connected to such induction systemor bulk metering box(es). Outlets of compartments 31 of the on-rowstorage system 27 can have sliding or pivoting gates to control releaseof seeds 17 into the seed meters 35.

Still referring to FIGS. 2-4, charging system 37 includes a divertersystem 48 (FIG. 2) arranged within the seed conveyance airflow system 28a to selectively control seed conveyance through the planter 7. This mayinclude selectively defining flow paths for the seed 17 through theplanter 7 based on location of the planter 7 relative to the multipletype zones VZ1, VZ2, VZ3, VZ4 of the agricultural field or otherperformance characteristics of the planter 7 at a given time. Divertersystem 48 can include a first seed gate system 49 (FIG. 2) and a secondseed gate system 51 (FIG. 2) that are arranged within the main frame androw unit seed conduits or primary and secondary seed feeding lines 43,45 for selectively defining passages within the charging system 37 toensure that the seed types 17 a, 17 b, 17 c, 17 d are directed from thecompartments 23 of the bulk storage system 19 into the appropriatecompartments 31 of the on-row storage system 27. The first seed gatesystem 49 includes multiple seed gates 53 that are independently movedby respective actuators to direct seed 17 into one(s) of the seedconduit(s) or secondary seed feeding lines 45 of one(s) of the row units13. The second seed gate system 51 includes multiple compartment gatesor seed gates 55 that are independently moved by respective actuators todirect seed 17 into one(s) of the compartments 31 of the on-row storagesystem 27.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, after or during charging system 37(FIGS. 2-4) charging or maintaining charge of on-row storage system 27,seed meter 35 releases seeds 17 into the seed delivery speed controlsystem 15 that can adjust delivery speed of the seeds 17 to mitigateseed bounce and/or provide a desired seed spacing distance by way of theseed delivery speed control device 16. Seed delivery speed controldevice 16 is shown as speed tube 57 that receives seeds 17 from anoutlet of the seed meter 35 and delivers the seeds 17 to the seed trenchof a furrow in the field. Speed tube 57 is controlled to deliver seeds17 with a rearward velocity that is substantially the same as theforward velocity of the planter. In this way, the speed tube 57 deliversseeds 17 with a speed that matches the speed of the planter, but in theopposite direction, whereby the seed has a horizontal velocity ofapproximately zero mph. This minimizes the chances of the seed 17bouncing forward as it comes into contact with the soil in the trench.Speed tube 57 includes tube housing 59 with an upper end at upper end 61a of the speed tube that connects to seed meter 35. Housing 59 surroundsan interior cavity 63 (FIG. 6) in which belt 65 is arranged as anadjustable speed conveyance mechanism with outwardly extending fingers67 defining belt pockets 69 between adjacent fingers 67. Referring nowto FIG. 6, belt 65 is supported for rotation at lower and upper ends 71,73 of the belt 65 on lower and upper pulleys 75, 77 at upper and lowerends 61 a, 61 b of speed tube 57. Upper pulley 77 is driven by beltdrive 79 that includes motor 81 (FIG. 5) directly or may include a geartrain transmitting rotation of an output shaft of the motor 81 torotation of the upper pulley 77. Rotation of upper pulley 77 drivesrotation of belt 65 to pass the belt pockets 69 under release location83 defined inside of seed meter 35 where the seeds are released fromseed disk 36. Release location 83 inside the seed meter 35 maycorrespond to a position of vacuum cutoff in the seed meter 35 forpneumatic versions of seed meter 35. Referring again to FIG. 5, seeds 17that fail off seed disk 36 at release location 83 pass through a seedmeter outlet 84 a and an aligned speed tube inlet 84 b and aresingularly received in belt pockets 69 and carried down speed tube 57and released from speed tube 57 through discharge tube 85 near lowerpulley 75.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-6, a control system 87 includes various sensorsfor determining performance conditions of various systems and componentswithin the planter 7, allowing their control. These include seed-levelsensors 89 in the compartments 31 of the on-row storage system 27configured for determining an amount of seeds of the different types 17a, 17 b, 17 c, 17 d in compartments 31. Seed-level sensors 91 (FIGS.2-5) in the row unit reservoir 47 are configured for determining anamount of seed(s) of the different types 17 a, 17 b, 17 c, 17 d incompartments 31 and row unit reservoir 47, whereby signals from theseed-level sensors 91 correspond to an amount of seed in the seed poolof the seed chamber 47 b of the seed meter 35. It is understood that theseed-level sensors 81, 91 can instead be a single sensor to indicate lowlevel rather than actual level. Referring again to FIGS. 5 and 6, a pairof seed sensors 92 are spaced from each other a known distance andarranged upon the discharge tube 85 and configured to detect seed 17traveling past each sensor 92. Control system 87 uses timing of theseeds 17 and distance between the seed sensors 92 to calculate speed ofthe seed 17 and the horizontal velocity component for comparisons withtravel speed of the planter 7 for adjusting the speed tube 57 to speedmatch the seed speed represented in FIG. 6 as rearward horizontalvelocity component 93 a of the seed speed to the planter speedrepresented in FIG. 6 as forward horizontal velocity component 93 b ofthe planter 7 and tractor 9. The seed release speed can also becalculated based on a known relationship of the rotational speed of theupper pulley 77, output shaft of the belt drive motor 81 or otherrotating component in the belt drive 79, and velocity of the seed 17leaving the speed tube 57 and detecting rotational speed of suchrotating component. Other sensors include those arranged within the seedmeters 35 to allow making adjustments to control performance of the seedmeters 35, based on size or other characteristics of the different types17 a, 17 b, 17 c, 17 d, including controlling the seed singulator,vacuum, baffle, seed disk rotational speed, and seed depth inside areservoir within the seed meter.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 7, a planter controller 93 and a tractorcontroller 95 of the control system 87 operably communicate with eachother, for example, by way of an ISOBUS connection, for coordinatingcontrols of planter 7, including which seed type 17 a, 17 b, 17 c, 17 dand at what seed delivery speed from planter 7, and tractor 9 (FIG. 1)based on the type or variety zones VZ1, VZ2, VZ3 of the agriculturalfield, which may correspond to a seed type or variety prescription mapPM as shown in FIG. 19. In FIG. 2, the planter controller 93 is shownincluding a controller 97 and power supply 99. The controller 97 of theplanter controller 93 can include an industrial computer or, e.g., aprogrammable logic controller (PLC), along with corresponding softwareand suitable memory for storing such software and hardware includinginterconnecting conductors for power and signal transmission forcontrolling electronic, electro-mechanical, and hydraulic components ofthe planter 7. The tractor controller 95 is configured for controllingoperations of the tractor 9 such as controlling steering, speed,braking, shifting, and other operations of the tractor 9. In FIG. 2, thetractor controller 95 is shown including a controller 101 and powersupply 103. The tractor controller 95 is configured for controlling thefunctions of the tractor 9 by controlling the various GPS steering,transmission, engine, hydraulic, and/or other systems of the tractor 7.Like the controller 97 of the planter controller 93, the controller 101of the tractor controller 95 can include an industrial computer or,e.g., a programmable logic controller, along with corresponding softwareand suitable memory for storing such software and hardware includinginterconnecting conductors for power and signal transmission forcontrolling electronic, electro-mechanical, and hydraulic components ofthe tractor 9. A tractor interface system 105 is operably connected tothe tractor controller 65 and includes a monitor and various inputdevices to allow an operator to see the statuses and control variousoperations of the tractor 9 from within the cab of the tractor 9. Thetractor interface system 105 may be a MultiControl Armrest™ consoleavailable for use with the Maxxum™ series tractors from Case IH.

Referring now to FIG. 7, during use of system 5, control system 87 candetermine planter position, speed, heading, and/or other movementcharacteristics by way of monitoring tractor position and movementthrough the tractor controller 95. Tractor controller 95 evaluates aspeed input signal from a tractor speed sensor 107 along with a GPSsignal or data from tractor GPS 109 with respect to the prescription mapPM (FIG. 19). Referring again to FIG. 2, using such evaluations, controlsystem 87 determines which row units 13 should plant which seed type(s)17 a, 17 b, 17 c, 17 d and when, along with determining a chargingstrategy for the compartments 31 of the on-row storage system 27, toachieve such multi-seed type planting. To facilitate determining thecharging strategy, control system 87 interrogates seed levels of seedtypes 17 a, 17 b, 17 c, 17 d and/or other operational characteristics ateach row unit 13. This can be done by evaluating signals from themini-hopper compartment or on-row compartment 31 seed level sensors 89and seed-level sensors 91 at the bottom of the funnel 47 a of the rowunit reservoir 47. Referring again to FIG. 7, planter controller 93evaluates signals from the seed level sensors 89,91 and communicateswith the tractor controller 95 to determine a charging strategy andcontrol strategy for the seed meters 35 (FIG. 2). The planter controller93 commands selective delivery of the respective seed types 17 a, 17 b,17 c, 17 d to identified target compartment(s) 31 (FIG. 2) of the on-rowstorage system 27 to achieve multi-seed-type planting according to theprescription map PM (FIG. 17). The control system 87 can do this byusing the planter controller 63 to control the central bulk fill flutedroll motors 39 a, row unit seed gate actuators 53 a, mini-hoppercompartment seed gate actuators 55 a, and mini-hopper roll motors 41 ato control rotation or other actuation movement of the rollers 39, rowgates 53, compartment seed gates 55, and rollers 39 (FIG. 2),respectively. Referring again to FIG. 7, the planter controller 93controls baffle actuator 111, singulator actuator 113, drive motor 36 a,and vacuum control mechanism or motor 115 to control actuation,rotation, or other movement or performance characteristics of thebaffle, singulator, rotational speed of seed disk 36 (FIG. 2), andvacuum pressure of the seed meter(s) 35. Planter controller 93 controlsthe belt drive 79 to increase or decrease the rotational speed of theupper pulley 77 for adjusting seed delivery speed from the speed tube57. Planter controller 93 commands the adjustment of rotational speed ofthe upper pulley and thus adjustment of seed delivery speed based on thetravel speed of the planter, which may be determined by the controlsystem 87 through the monitoring of travel speed of tractor 9, to targeta seed delivery speed out of speed tube 57 while monitoring seeddelivery speed-based signals from the seed sensors 92 to match thetravel speed of planter 7 and tractor 9. By matching the seed deliveryspeed of seeds 17 released from the speed control system 15 to thetravel speed of planter 7 and tractor 9, the forward and rearward speedscancel each other out and the seeds 17 fall from the speed controlsystem 15 straight down such as along a seed drop path that issubstantially vertical only with respect to a seed trench of theagricultural field.

To use the system 5, an operator first displays the seed type or varietyprescription map PM (FIG. 19) on the computer display or monitor of thetractor interface system 105, which would typically be inside thetractor cab. The prescription map PM displays which seed types 17 a, 17b, 17 c are to be planted and where, corresponding to the type orvariety zones VZ1, VZ2, VZ3. The operator inputs which seed types 17 a,17 b, 17 c are stored in compartments 23 of the bulk storage system 19through the tractor interface system 105. The prescription map PM mayalso contain the seed population that is to be planted for each type ortypes 17 a, 17 b, 17 c. The seed population could also be varied withinthe field based on soil type, organic matter, etc. The size of the seedscan also be input into the tractor interface system 75. This informationcould also be made available in the database that is built from thedesktop software when the prescription map PM was created. Knowing theseed size will allow the control system 87 to control seed meter 35settings such as vacuum, seed pool level, baffle, and singulator toensure proper metering of individual seeds 17. Preferred settings forthe seed meter 35 could also be preset by the operator and based onhistorical data or data provided by the seed 17 or planter 7manufacturer. Adjustment of the seed meter 35 to obtain the preferredsettings can be done by adjusting the vacuum setting for each meter 35manually or automatically controlled from inside the tractor cab throughthe tractor interface system 105. Similarly, the seed singulator andbaffle can be controlled manually or automatically through the controlsystem 87 for each row unit 13, which may include making the actualphysical adjustment(s) to the singulator and/or baffle. In oneembodiment, an electrical solenoid or step motor attached to thesingulator and/or baffle is controllable to make such adjustments.

Referring again to FIGS. 2-4, when the system 5 is first started, thecontrol system 87 determines seed level in each of the compartments 31of the on-row storage system 27 based on a signal(s) from the seedslevel sensors 89 in the compartments 31. FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of anexemplary method 117 of charging the on-row storage system 27 by fillingthe compartments 31 with seed types 17 a, 17 b, 17 c, 17 d from the bulkstorage system 19.

Referring still to FIG. 8 and with further reference to FIGS. 2-4, asrepresented at block 119, the control system 87 interrogates the seedslevel sensors 89 of the compartments 31 of the on-row storage system 27,which may be done sequentially. As an initial step, as represented atblock 121, the control system 87 interrogates the seeds level sensors 89in compartment 31A of row 1. If it is empty or below a certain level,the control system 87 sends a signal to the planter controller 93 whichpowers the motor (not shown) that rotates the roller 39 at the outlet ofthe compartment 23 located at a base of the bulk fill hopper 21 of thebulk storage system 19. Rotating the roller 39 dispenses seed 17 of theseed type 17 a into the main frame seed conduit or primary seed feedingline 43. Since the volume of seed in compartment 31 is known, the roller39 for the compartment 23 of the bulk storage system 19 is calibrated tometer out only the exact quantity of seed that is required to fill thecompartment 31 a of the on-row storage system 27 of the particular rowunit 13 for the row being filled with a seed variety at that particulartime. The seed 17 is conveyed along the primary seed feeding line(s) 43by way of airflow produced by the fan F. As represented at block 123, arow gate 53 is activated to seed 17 toward one of the row units 13. Forexample, when the seed 17 arrives at a junction between the primary seedfeeding line(s) 43 and the secondary seed feeding line(s) 45 for the“Row 1” row unit 13 (FIG. 2), the gate 53 of the first gate system 49 atthis junction is activated and directs flow of air and seed 17 throughthe row-unit seed conduit or secondary seed feeding line 45 toward thecompartments 31 of the on-row storage system 27. Also as represented atblock 123, when the seed 17 arrives at the junction between thesecondary seed feeding line(s) 45 and the compartments 31 of the on-rowstorage system 27, a first one of the compartment seed gates 55 of thesecond seed gate system 51 is opened by the control system 57 to directthe flow of seed 17 and air into the associated compartment 31, in thiscase compartment 31 a, for storing seed type 17 a. The seed 17 dropsinto the compartment 31 a and the air is allowed to escape through aperforated lid (not shown) that covers the mini-hopper(s) 33. After theseed 17 is delivered to the row 1 mini-hopper 33 and the seed levelsensor 89 for compartment 31 a of row 1 has confirmed that the properamount of seed 17 has been delivered, the seeds level sensor 89 for thecompartment holding seed type 17 a on row 2 is interrogated. Optionally,a time delay could be put in place to trigger the interrogation of row2. If seed 17 is required for that compartment, the seed is delivered tocompartment 31 a on the “Row 2” row unit 13 by actuating the seed gates53, 55 to direct the seed 17 into compartment 31 a on the “Row 2” rowunit 13. The actuated positions of the seed gates 53, 55 to achieve thisare shown in FIG. 3. As represented at blocks 125, 127, this sequence isrepeated for all of the rows of the planter 7 until the type 17 acompartments 31 on the mini-hoppers 33 have been completely filled orthe seed level sensors 89 indicate that they are already full for allrows. As represented at blocks 129, 131, once the type 17 a compartments31 are full, the sequence is repeated for type 17 b on all of the rowunits 13. FIG. 4 shows the end of the sequence for row 2 and shows type17 d being delivered from the bulk storage system 19 to the compartment31 d of the mini-hopper 33 on row 2. As represented at block 133, oncethe type 17 d compartments 31 d have been completely filled for allrows, the entire sequence starts over by interrogating the seed levelsensors 89 for the type 17 a compartment 31 a on row 1. The entiresequence or process 87 is repeated as long as planting continues. Thecharging process does not necessarily have to be performed in the orderthat has been previously described. Control system 87 can control thecharging process to achieve prioritized filling of on-row hoppers bymost immediate need/lowest level based on sensor measurement or theprescription map PM (FIG. 19). In this way, fill level in the multiplecompartments 31 of the on-row storage system 27 can be maintained by aprioritized charging during which an order of filling the multiplecompartments 31 is performed according to an immediate need based on atleast one of a detected lowest level of seeds 17 within the multiplecompartments 31 and a location of the agricultural implement accordingto the prescription map PM of the agricultural field. Therefore, sincethe seeds level sensors 89 in the mini-hoppers 33 can sense seed level,the algorithm for determining which seed type(s) 17 a, 17 b, 17 c, 17 dshould be dispensed and to which row could be determined by, forexample, which compartment 31 has the lowest level of seed 17. Anadditional algorithm could use the seed type or variety prescription mapPM (FIG. 19) and look ahead to see which type 17 a, 17 b, 17 c, 17 d ispredominantly going to be planted and adjust the refilling sequenceaccordingly. When the entire charging process 117 is completed, thetractor interface system 105 display could signal to the operator thatplanting can begin.

Referring again to FIG. 7 and with further reference to FIG. 2, by wayof the tractor GPS 109 communicating with tractor controller 95, thecontrol system 87 is able to determine which seed types 17 a, 17 b, 17c, 17 d are to be planted by each of the planter row units 13 based onthe prescription map PM (FIG. 19) and thus the VZ1, VZ2, VZ3, VZ4. Forexample, if type 17 a is to be planted on row 1, the control system 87activates an electric motor (not shown) that is connected to and rotatesthe roller 41 at the outlet of the compartment 31 a storing type 17 a onrow 1 (FIG. 2). The seed 17 is dispensed into the row unit reservoir 47that directs the seed toward the seed disk 36. Control system 87 cancommand rotation of rollers 41 so that a predetermined batch size isreleased, such as approximately 50 seeds metered out at the compartment31A outlet at a time. When the seed-level sensors 91 at the bottom ofthe funnel 47 a of the row unit reservoir 47 determines more seed 17 isrequired, the control system 87 determines if row 1 is still required toplant seed type 17 a. If it is, then the motor for the roller 41 at theoutlet of the compartment 31 a storing seed type 17 a is again activatedand more seeds 17 of type 17 a are dispensed into the row unit reservoir47. If the prescription map PM indicates that seed type 17 b isrequired, the motor for roller 41 of compartment 31 b is activated andseed 17 of type 17 b is dispensed into the row unit reservoir 47. Thisprocess continues as long as the planting operation continues. The sameprocess is used for all of the rows on the planter 7. There is norequirement that all rows must be planting the same type(s) 17 a, 17 b,17 c, 17 d. In one embodiment, each row unit 13 could be planting adifferent type 17 a, 17 b, 17 c, 17 d at different rows at the same timeand any individual row could switch from one variety to the other ascalled for by the seed variety prescription map PM. It is understoodthat one or more of the zones VZ1, VZ2, VZ3, VZ4 can require apredetermined mixture of two or more of the seed types 17 a, 17 b, 17 c,17 d, whereby the control system 57 controls release of seeds 17 fromthe bulk and/or on-row storage systems 19, 27 to create a purposefulmixture based on the desired predetermined mixture ratio. The mixing canbe done at the charging stage. In this way, the seed types 17 a, 17 b,17 c, 17 d of a zone-required mixture can be simultaneously or otherwisedelivered from respective compartments 23 of bulk storage system 19 intoa single compartment(s) 31 of the on-row storage system 27, such thatthe compartment(s) 31 stores the mixture in the on-row storage system27. The mixing can also be done at the meter feeding stage. In this way,mixing occurs while filling the seed pool(s). This can be done byreleasing seeds of multiple types 17 a, 17 b, 17 c, 17 d from multiplecompartments 31 of the on-row storage system 27 to provide a seed poolhaving a mixture of the different types of seeds 17 a, 17 b, 17 c, 17 dwithin a seed meter(s) 35. Regardless of where the mixing occursrelative the bulk storage or on-row storage and seed metering systems19, 27, 29, control system 57 controls release of seeds 17 to providevarious mixtures required by a zone-required mixtures such as, forexample, a mixture of 25% seed type 17 a and 25% seed type 17 c, and 50%seed type 17 d, by controlled mixing while feeding the seed pool orupstream.

In an embodiment in which different seed populations for the seed types17 a, 17 b, 17 c, 17 d are known for the variety zones, the controlsystem 87 controls the seed meters 35 to achieve the target seedpopulations. This may be done by manually or automatically adjusting atleast one of a seed disk rotational speed for adjusting seed population,a seed singulator setting, vacuum level, baffle position, and/or seeddepth inside the seed meter reservoir. Corresponding adjustments canalso be made to accommodate different seed type, size or shape, or thevarieties, of seed types 17 a, 17 b, 17 c, 17 d. Control system 87 cancontrol the seed delivery speed control system 15 to release seeds 17 toachieve the predetermined known seed populations for the seed types 17a, 17 b, 17 c, 17 d for the variety zones VZ1, VZ2, VZ3, VZ4. Controlsystem 87 does this by adjusting the seed delivery speed to achieve therelease rate as a function of travel speed of the planter 7 to providethe spacing distance between adjacent seeds 7 in the same seed trenchcorresponding to a target spacing value that provides the target seatpopulation for the particular seed type(s) 17 a, 17 b, 17 c, 17 d.

FIG. 9-16 shows variations of the system 5 of FIGS. 1-4. The variationsare labeled with configuration numbers and schematically showcombinations of different numbers of compartments 31 of the on-rowstorage system 27, different numbers of seed conduits or feed lines, andcorresponding arrangements of the seed lines and compartments. FIG. 17provides a chart with summary information of the variations of thesystem 5, such as those shown in FIGS. 9-16. FIG. 9 and cell 135 of FIG.17 show an individual line for each variety for each row, with a singlecompartment 31 of the on-row storage system 27 at each row unit 13. Thisis shown in FIG. 9 as a primary seed feeding line 43 from each one ofthe compartments 23 of the bulk storage system 19 connecting to a singlesecondary seed feeding line 45 that is connected to a single compartment31 of the on-row storage system 27. FIG. 10 and cell 137 of FIG. 17 showa single line for each variety feeding multiple rows, with a singlecompartment 31 of the on-row storage system 27 at each row unit 13. Thisis shown in FIG. 7 as a primary seed feeding line 43 from each one ofthe compartments 23 of the bulk storage system 19 connecting to separatesecondary seed feeding lines 45 that connect to a single compartment 31of the on-row storage system 27, with each primary seed feeding line 43extending past the respective secondary seed feeding line 45 to thesubsequent row units 13. FIG. 11 and cell 139 of FIG. 17 show a singleline for each row feeding all varieties, with a single compartment 31 ofthe on-row storage system 27 at each row unit 13. This is shown in FIG.9 as a single primary seed feeding line 43 connected to all of thecompartments 23 of the bulk storage system 19 and terminating at asingle compartment 31 of the on-row storage system 27. FIG. 12 and cell141 of FIG. 17 show a single line feeding all varieties for all rows,with a single compartment 31 of the on-row storage system 27 at each rowunit 13. This is shown in FIG. 9 as a single primary seed feeding line43 connected to all of the compartments 23 of the bulk storage system19, connected to a single compartment 31 of the on-row storage system 27and extending past the respective single compartment 31 of the on-rowstorage system 27 to the subsequent row units 13. FIG. 13 and cell 143of FIG. 17 show an individual line for each variety for each row, withmultiple compartments 31 of the on-row storage system 27 at each rowunit 13. This is shown in FIG. 13 as a primary seed feeding line 43 fromeach one of the compartments 23 of the bulk storage system 19 connectedto a single respective one of the compartments 31 of the on-row storagesystem 27. FIG. 14 and cell 145 of FIG. 17 show a single line for eachvariety feeding multiple rows, with multiple compartments 31 of theon-row storage system 27 at each row unit 13. This is shown in FIG. 14as a primary seed feeding line 43 from each one of the compartments 23of the bulk storage system 19 connecting to separate secondary seedfeeding lines 45 that connect to respective compartments 31 of theon-row storage system 27, with each primary seed feeding line 43extending past the respective secondary seed feeding line 45 to thesubsequent row units 13. FIG. 15 and cell 147 of FIG. 17 show a singleline for each row feeding all varieties, with multiple compartments 31of the on-row storage system 27 at each row unit 13. This is shown inFIG. 15 as a single primary seed feeding line 43 connected to all of thecompartments 23 of the bulk storage system 19 and terminating at the rowunit 13 while connecting to each of the compartments 31 of the on-rowstorage system 27. FIG. 16 and cell 149 of FIG. 17 show a single linefeeding all varieties for all rows, with multiple compartments 31 of theon-row storage system 27 at each row unit 13. This is shown in FIG. 16as a single primary seed feeding line 43 connected to all of thecompartments 23 of the bulk storage system 19, connected to each of thecompartments 31 of the on-row storage system 27, and extending past therespective single compartment 31 of the on-row storage system 27 to thesubsequent row units 13. Referring now to FIG. 17, cells 135, 137, 139,141, 143, 145, 147, 149 represent a planter 7 (FIG. 1) with a singleseed meter 35 at each row unit 13, whereas cells 151, 153, 155, 157 ofFIG. 17 represent a planter 7 with multiple seed meters 35 at each rowunit 13, such as twin-row planters. Regardless of the particularconfiguration of the planter 7, it is understood that the variations ofsystem 5 represented in FIGS. 9-16 may include the charging system 37(FIG. 2) or respective components such as the intersections of variousplanter components to achieve the selective charging.

In an embodiment in which row by row multi-variety control is notrequired, and/or in which a 100% switchover within a relatively Shortdistance is not required, the compartments 31 and rollers 41 of themini-hoppers 33 can be eliminated.

In one embodiment, the system 5 is incorporated with a non-bulk fillplanter 7 equipped with row mounted seed hoppers as long as each rowhopper is partitioned and is able to gravity feed into the seed meterreservoirs. This embodiment does not require a central bulk fillhopper(s) 21 or charging system 37, but may instead include apartitioned on-row hopper or multiple on-row hoppers as the compartments31 to gravity feed into the row unit reservoir 47 or internal reservoirof the seed meter 35.

Referring now to FIG. 18, in this embodiment, the system 5 includes acombination of central bulk fill hopper(s) 21 of a bulk storage system19 feeding a mini-hopper 33 a as one compartment 31 at each row unit 13,with seed type 17 b stored in bulk remotely from the row unit 13. Seedtypes 17 a, 17 c are stored in bulk on the row itself, in a partitionedon-row hopper 159 of the on-row storage system 27 or multiple on-rowhoppers on each row unit 13. Charging system 37 is arranged toselectively deliver seeds of the various types 17 a, 17 b, 17 c to theseed meter 35, such as by way of rollers 41 (FIG. 2) arranged betweenthe compartments 23, 31 of the on-row hopper 159 and mini-hopper and theseed meter 35. The mini-hopper 33 a, would be fed from a bulk fillhopper(s) 21 of the bulk storage system 19 as previously explained. Theon-row hopper 159 could be used to hold the varieties of seed 17 thatwould be less frequently used in its compartments 23. The mini-hopper 33a fed from the bulk fill hopper(s) 21 could be used for the seed 17 thatwill be planted on a majority of the field. This configurationeliminates partitions and separate compartments 23 of the remote,centrally located bulk fill hopper(s) 21, and may reduce the number ofseed conduits or feed lines, gates, and rollers, as compared to thepreviously described charging system 37.

Many changes and modifications could be made to the invention withoutdeparting from the spirit thereof. Various components and features ofthe system 5, for example, components or features of the seed storagesystem(s), charging system(s), and seed metering system(s) can beincorporated alone or in different combinations on a planter. The scopeof these changes will become apparent from the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A seed metering system for a planting implement, the seedmetering system comprising: a seed meter including a housing defining aseed pool and a vacuum chamber, the seed meter further including a seeddisk positioned within the housing between the seed pool and the vacuumchamber, the seed disk defining seed pockets and configured to berotated relative to the seed pool such that a seed is held within a seedpocket of the plurality of seed pockets by a negative pressure withinthe vacuum chamber; a baffle positioned within the housing; a baffleactuator configured to actuate the baffle to adjust a depth of seedswithin the seed pool that are exposed to the seed disk; and a controllercommunicatively coupled to baffle actuator, the controller beingconfigured to electronically control an operation of baffle actuator toautomatically adjust the depth of the seeds within the seed pool thatare exposed to the seed disk.
 2. The seed metering system of claim 1,further comprising: a singulator positioned within the housing; and asingulator actuator configured to actuate the singulator to adjust asingulator setting for the seed meter; wherein the controller iscommunicatively coupled to singulator actuator and is further configuredto electronically control an operation of singulator actuator toautomatically adjust the singulator setting for the seed meter.
 3. Theseed metering system of claim 2, wherein the controller is furtherconfigured to receive an operator input and control the operation of atleast one of the singulator actuator or the baffle actuator to adjust atleast one of the singulator setting for the seed meter or the depth ofthe seeds within the seed pool that are exposed to the seed disk basedon the operator input.
 4. The seed metering system of claim 1, whereinthe controller is further configured to receive an operator input andcontrol the operation of the baffle actuator to adjust the depth of theseeds within the seed pool that are exposed to the seed disk based onthe operator input.
 5. The seed metering system of claim 1, wherein thecontroller is configured to receive seed data indicative of aseed-related parameter associated with the seeds within the seed pool,the controller being configured to control the operation of the baffleactuator to adjust the depth of the seeds within the seed pool that areexposed to the seed disk based on the seed data.
 6. The seed meteringsystem of claim 5, wherein the seed-related parameter comprises at leastone of seed size, seed shape, or seed type.
 7. The seed metering systemof claim 1, further comprising a vacuum motor configured to adjust thenegative pressure applied within the vacuum chamber; wherein thecontroller is communicatively coupled to the vacuum motor and is furtherconfigured to electronically control an operation of the vacuum motor toautomatically adjust the negative pressure applied within the vacuumchamber.
 8. A seed metering system for a planting implement, the seedmetering system comprising: a seed meter including a housing defining aseed pool and a vacuum chamber, the seed meter further including a seeddisk positioned within the housing between the seed pool and the vacuumchamber, the seed disk defining seed pockets and configured to berotated relative to the seed pool such that a seed is held within a seedpocket of the plurality of seed pockets by a negative pressure withinthe vacuum chamber; a baffle actuator configured to actuate a bafflepositioned within the housing to adjust a depth of seeds within the seedpool that are exposed to the seed disk; a singulator actuator configuredto actuate a singulator positioned within the housing to adjust asingulator setting for the seed meter; and a controller communicativelycoupled to baffle actuator and the singulator actuator and beingconfigured to receive seed data indicative of a seed-related parameterassociated with seeds within the seed pool, the controller beingconfigured to electronically control an operation of at least one of thebaffle actuator or the singulator actuator to automatically adjust atleast one of the depth of the seeds within the seed pool that areexposed to the seed disk or the singulator setting for the seed meterbased on the seed data.
 9. The seed metering system of claim 8, whereinthe controller is configured to electronically control the operation ofboth the baffle actuator and the singulator actuator to automaticallyadjust both the depth of the seeds within the seed pool that are exposedto the seed disk or the singulator setting for the seed meter based onthe seed data.
 10. The seed metering system of claim 8, furthercomprising a vacuum motor configured to adjust the negative pressureapplied within the vacuum chamber; wherein the controller iscommunicatively coupled to the vacuum motor and is further configured toelectronically control an operation of the vacuum motor to automaticallyadjust the negative pressure applied within the vacuum chamber based onthe seed data.
 11. The seed metering system of claim 8, wherein theseed-related parameter comprises at least one of seed size, seed shape,or seed type.
 12. A method for adjusting the operation of a seedmetering system of a planting implement, the seed metering systemincluding a seed meter having a housing and a seed disk positionedwithin the housing, the seed metering system further including a baffleactuator configured to actuate a baffle positioned within the housing toadjust a depth of seeds within a seed pool of the seed meter that areexposed to the seed disk, and a singulator actuator configured toactuate a singulator positioned within the housing to adjust asingulator setting for the seed meter, the method comprising: receiving,with a computing device, seed data indicative of a seed-relatedparameter associated with the seeds contained within the seed pool ofthe seed meter; controlling, with the computing device, an operation ofthe baffle actuator to automatically adjust the depth of the seedswithin the seed pool that are exposed to the seed disk based at least inpart on the seed data; and controlling, with the computing device, anoperation of the singulator actuator to automatically adjust thesingulator setting for the seed meter based at least in part on the seeddata.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein receiving the seed datacomprises receiving the seed data via an operator input provided by anoperator of the planting implement.
 14. The method of claim 12, whereinthe seed-related parameter comprises at least one of seed size, seedshape, or seed type.
 15. The method of claim 12, further comprisingcontrolling, with the computing device, an operation of a vacuum sourceassociated with the seed meter to automatically adjust a negativepressure applied to the seed disk of the seed meter based at least inpart on the seed data.